Augustus Keppel

Augustus Keppel, 1st Viscount Keppel (25 April 1725 - 2 October 1786), British Royal Navy Officer, authentic, autographed manuscript letter (LS). The three page letter is approximately 8" x 12" in size and is dated July 16, 1770.

1st Viscount Keppel was an officer of the British Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution. Throughout the final years of the American Revolution, he served as First Lord of the Admiralty.

Keppel saw continuous service during the Seven Years's War, however, it was during the early stages of the American Revolution which defined his career and is thought to have been the most important time of his life. When the Falkland Island dispute occurred in 1770, he was to have commanded the fleet sent against Spain, however a settlement was reached.

The letter describes the Victory of Plymouth and reports of ship movements in preparation to attack a French fleet. It is crisply signed by Keppel and is in good to very good condition, with overall light toning not affecting the signature. There are scattered creases, small tears and suspected intersecting folds on the document. In addition, there is an irregular tear in the lower right hand corner of the first page.